The creation of new federal public service jobs as Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) assumes new responsibilities for the regulation and management of aquaculture in British Columbia (B.C.). Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, said that after implementation of this new B.C. Aquaculture Regulatory Program would create forty-three new jobs on Vancouver Island, and nine in Vancouver.
She also said that these jobs will provide much-needed economic stimulus to coastal communities, and provide DFO with the skilled workforce it needs to ensure that aquaculture in B.C. is managed and regulated in a manner that is efficient, effective and sustainable.
DFO has acquired office space in Campbell River and Nanaimo, as well as a fish-health laboratory and a vessel in Courtenay, which the Department will operate as part of the new B.C. Aquaculture Regulatory Program. Staff in Port Hardy will use existing DFO office space. The press release said that the new Pacific Aquaculture Regulations are expected to simplify the management regime and make it more efficient for B.C.’s aquaculture industry.
